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Birds: Designed Differently

on July 1, 2016

Birds: Designed Differently

Soaring Birds

Some hunting birds like to fly
high above the forest, looking
for prey. These birds have wide
wings that look a bit jagged on
the end—sort of like the edge
of a knife. The feathers at
the tips of eagles’ and
vultures’ wings look like
fingers sticking out. These
help them catch rising air
currents and soar into
the clouds.

Gliding Seabirds

If you’re flying over the ocean, you don’t
necessarily need speed. You need wings that can
carry you a long, long way to the next landing
site with little effort. The wings of albatrosses
and seagulls fit the bill. They’re long and wide to
catch the sea breezes. Many birds can fold their
wings and—splash!—dive into the water after a
fish if they are hungry.

Speeding Birds

Swifts and many other birds chase insects. So
they have long, narrow wings that look pointed
on the ends like fighter planes. This gives them
super speed so they can zip through the air in
search of a speedy meal.

Darting Birds

Many of the birds at your backyard bird
feeder have short, rounded wings. Those
are perfect for flitting from a branch to the
ground, snatching worms or insects . . . and avoiding any hungry hawks.